Planning- Advise – Travel tips – Sierra Leone

The more you know about traveling in the islands, wild life sanctuaries, national parks, beaches, cities and towns of Sierra Leone, the more prepared you’ll be when you arrive.

Travel Documents

It's very important all document is in place and accurate. Such as Passport, Visas, Contact Numbers, flight details, ticket, travel insurance, Vaccination cards, Yellow fever card, and driver’s license. They are all important in planning your travels.

We are always here to help you if you have any questions

All citizens of the economic community of west Africa states [ECOWAS] don’t need a visa to enter sierra Leone, but must have a valid passport

Clothing

It depends either you coming for holiday, volunteer or work. Casual ware is suitable everywhere during the day and in the evening at most restaurants and public places. As sierra Leone have two seasons [rainy and dry season], we advise you don't forget sun protections including waterproof sun cream, light long sleeve clothing, sun hats and sunglasses, flip flops, swimming shorts

We also would like to advice you take along Insect repellent, sturdy but lightweight walking/hiking shoes, sleeping sheet and travel towel.

During the rainy season raincoat/ umbrella is a most to your packing list

We also recommend that travellers to Sierra Leone bring their own personal first aid kit including band aids, antiseptic cream/liquid, aspirin or paracetamol medication for diarrhoea or constipation, water purification tablets, alcohol-based hand gel,

Please bring all your own toiletry and medical requirements as many items are unavailable in Sierra Leone. Do not hesitate to ask us if you have any queries.

Public Transport
Public transportation services are available in all cities and towns across sierra leone. The mini bus are referred to as poda podas are available in all cities and towns, and big busses are also available in cities, running to other cities such as freetown to Bo or Kenema. Service is generallyavaileble whole day and few drivers can be sport running whole night. Fares vary, depending on the route, and exact change is required. Bus stops are marked. The basic fare is LE 1, 500 for town service and Out of town zones to the province could cost up to LE20,000 to Le 40,000 depending to where you are going

Taxi
You can call a taxi or flag one down on the street of Freetown. Taxis are painted yellow on the sides with the zone where they run libelled on it [east ward, west word., provincial]. Taxis libelled west ward should not go east word. The basic fare for a taxi is LE 1,500 for one way, they are reasonable and are fixed by law. But you must budget for two way or three way if you are taking a long drive. When you tell your location, the driver will evaluate and tell you how many ways he will divide that distance in to. It could either be two or three ways. While some drivers will want you to tell them how many ways you will pay for the distance. Be fast so the car doesn’t leave you, taxi drivers are more interested in short distances. The best hazzle free option is to chartered the taxi per hour or per day. You must negotiate on the price; charter prices are not fixed.

Okada

Motto bikes running as taxis are famously known and refer to as okadas in Sierra Leone. The name Okada is adopted from Nigeria. Bikes were very helpful to escape traffic and are very essential to reach places where vehicles could not reach. The ban on okadas in the city centre and on the main streets in Freetown became effective since mid-2016. Bikes are not allowed to run on the main streets in Freetown excepted in areas where taxis could not run, on the hills, rural areas and the provincial areas. Here are some of the streets you should not take a bike to Kissy road, Fourah Bah Road, Sani Abacha Street, Macaulay Street, Krootown Road, Pademba Road, Circular Road, Campbell Street, Benjamin Lane, Adelaide Street, savage street, main motto road Congo cross, Wilkinson road, Spur road, Jomo Kenyatta road, Rokel street, Macdonald street, and Fergusson street.

The fare for motto bike is LE 2,000 and upwards depending on your rout

Keke

Tricycle taxi is also known as keke, and is replacing Okada. It takes three passengers and the fare is Le 2,000 per person. Keke is quite a different experience, not like a taxi or okada, Kekes is available in Freetown and in other towns and cities in Sierra Leone

Banking

Weekday banking hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ATMs are avalable in almost all the banks in big cities, but dont rely on them too much, make backup plans.

Electricity

Electrical outlets in Sierra Leone is 220 volts, which is compatible with all British and European appliances.US appliances required a big three-pin adaptor and 120-volt converter.

Health & Safety

We advise you take responsibility for your own health and safety, including

Comprehensive medical and travel insurance including for medical evacuation and we advise you take all nesessary vaccinations before you travel.Very best to seek the advise of your doctor two month before you travel. The Centre for diseases control and prevention gives up to date health information and health problems affecting Sierra Leone.

Up to date immunizations for yellow fever is a requirement for entering Sierra Leone

It’s also important you take along Anti-malarial medications. Please seek the advice of your doctor

Tipping

Tipping in Sierra Leone is just like where you’re from—tip according to quality of service. Bellboys and porters usually receive $1 per bag, while most other servers (waiters, taxis, etc.) receive 15%. Many establishments include gratuity in the total, so make sure you check your bill to see if it’s been added.